Following the success of its previous editions, the GamingonPhone Conference Online (GPC) returned for its 3rd Edition. The premier B2B gaming event from GamingonPhone took place on May 27, 2025, and saw multiple sessions from gaming industry experts delivering their insights to over 500-plus attendees.
At GPC Online 3rd Edition, Alexis Argyriou, Senior Executive Producer at The Bureau Consulting, addressed a shift that mobile developers can no longer ignore: The Shrinking Gap Between Mobile & PC. In his session, he laid out why this matters, especially for those considering a Steam release.
Cross-platform and the Transition from Mobile to PC and Consoles
Alexis opened by sharing his belief that cross-platform is no longer a futuristic concept, but the default approach. He pointed to China as the market leading this transition, with studios there naturally releasing on both PC and mobile.
The younger generation sees no real difference between screens.“To them a screen is a screen,” he said, while also referencing Microsoft Gaming’s Phil Spencer’s “Every screen is an Xbox” comment, highlighting how brand and hardware lines are blurring.
One reason this convergence is important is because of how players grow. Many start with mobile, but once they get skilled and invested, they crave deeper experiences. That’s where PC and console come in. Alexis noted that games offering cross-platform access tend to retain players longer.
He shared how one major Chinese IP found that players active across platforms spent more time on PC, but made higher purchases on mobile. It suggests mobile brings impulsive engagement, while PC provides longer sessions. Both work together to drive value.
Community over UA Spend and the Expectations of PC Players
With mobile UA costs rising, Alexis encouraged devs to use a PC as a strategic starting point. Launching on Steam can be a strong organic funnel for community building. Even if your game isn’t AAA, a focused, well-understood community can carry it far.
“You cannot expect your game to go viral if it doesn’t first blow up the community that it was made for,” he said. Developers who understand their players deeply or hire someone who does are more likely to build lasting success.
While mobile games are no longer looked down on, the PC audience still expects more. Authenticity, attention to feedback, and immersive systems are key. Alexis emphasized that even basic lore or dialogue can make a difference it gives players something to connect with.
He also warned against cutting corners on UI, performance, or social systems. PC players often see games as long-term possessions. They expect updates, depth, and community involvement. Games that ignore this won’t last long on platforms like Steam.
Feedback is Necessary, but that isn’t ‘Always a Fix’
On PC, players leave detailed reviews and care about what they support. Alexis explained, “Players are always right when they’re complaining about something. They’re always wrong when they’re offering a solution.” Developers should listen to feedback carefully, but not follow every fix suggested. The goal is to understand the core issue, then solve it in your own way.
As platforms blend, what matters most is building games that players care about wherever they play. For mobile developers with a strong title and loyal audience, expanding to Steam isn’t just a bonus move, it’s a potential game-changer.
GPC Online 3rd Edition Unpacked – Further Reading:
